Director of Community

Director of Community 

Would you class yourself as a compassionate, collaborative and ambitious practitioner with the determination to make a difference?

We want you to join our “Woodlands family” where Ofsted (March 2024) found “staff and pupils get along well, and staff want the very best outcomes for pupils”. They described our school as “calm and friendly” where “personalised support is given to those who need it” Developing our offer of personalised support to ensure we meet all the differing needs of our learners is fundamental to the progress we want to make.

This is an exciting time for us as we progress our quality of education to “good” matching all other judgements of “good” in our recent inspection. We are proud of the distance travelled and we want you to join us for the next phase of our journey. 

You will be unflappable, have a sense of humour, and be utterly committed to the learners in your care. You will have a strong sense of fairness and know that you are a catalyst to change children’s lives  

Woodlands is an amazing place to work, and our learners need someone who is not afraid to have high expectations of what they can achieve academically and socially and will never let that standard drop.  

Every one of us plays a key role in supporting our learners to be the best they can be and live the best lives they can. 

Does this sound like you? 

No SEMH experience is necessary, but a desire to learn and develop is essential.

Grade 10 £34,834 - £36,648 (pro rata)

37 hours per week – term time only (additional non term-time opportunities available)

Permanent

To be successful, you will demonstrate;

• Experience in developing community engagement initiatives within an educational or social work setting.
• Proven experience in supporting vulnerable families and learners.
• Experience working with diverse communities and promoting inclusion.
• Proven experience in delivering interventions and working with small groups in an educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of community dynamics and family support services.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to use data to monitor the effectiveness of community initiatives.
• Ability to differentiate learning and create personalised curricula based on the diverse needs of learners.
• Commitment to equity, empathy, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a passion for building relationships with families and the community.
• A proactive and positive approach to problem-solving and supporting vulnerable learners.

Why this role above others?

Come and make a difference to the life chances of our young people.

Woodlands is a special school for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. We are proud of the high expectations and aspirations we set for every child and young person, providing an inspiring environment where everyone can learn and achieve. 

We provide ambitious and exciting opportunities through well-designed and individualised curriculum packages. 

You will be part of a highly effective, supportive team who readily share best practice amongst the team. 

You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with individual children, young people and their parents. You will find each day rewarding, making the difference, and providing support and nurture for children and parents alike. 

You will join us in celebrating success and encouraging all our young people to develop broader life skills, investing in them as a whole child. 

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our pupils and trust that you will feel the same as we work together to ensure the successful future for them. 

We offer:

·        Excellent professional learning and support at every stage in your career, with opportunity for continued personal development through our Talent Pathway

·        Career development opportunities including funded NPQs

·        Excellent resources and facilities

·        Significant leadership time on your timetable.

·        A core belief in staff wellbeing and work life balance for all, evidenced in policy and practice

·        Benefits including funded counselling, physiotherapy and GP and other medical support

·        As a school in the Marches Academy Trust teachers have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of 11 schools.

If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please contact Lisa Dugmore (Business Manager) on 01939 232372 / Lisa.Dugmore@wdl.mmat.co.uk .

Lisa will be more than happy to help

(Please note we do not accept CVs).

Closing date for applications :  Friday 11th October at 9am

Interview Date: Wednesday 16th October

The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to embrace this. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We positively welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share our ethos.